Geotechnical Divisional Manager-Reno, NV

Certerra; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Certerra is seeking a Geotechnical Divisional Manager for Reno, NV to lead a team delivering subsurface investigations, soil/rock analysis, foundation design and slope stability assessments for civil and infrastructure projects. You will oversee project execution, quality, client relationships, and strategic growth of the division.

You will drive technical quality, manage budgets, mentor staff, and lead business development while ensuring compliance with codes and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical emphasis — required at most firms.
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Geotechnical Engineering — strongly preferred.
• Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering — advantageous for research-focused roles.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license — typically required; must be licensed in the state(s) of practice.
• Multi-state PE licensure — preferred for cross-region practice.
• Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license — valued in CA, others.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: oversee geotechnical investigations, soil/rock testing, and subsurface exploration programs.
• Project Management: manage multiple projects with scope, schedule, budget, and staffing.
• Business Development & Marketing: identify opportunities, lead proposals, presentations, and fee negotiations; represent the firm at events.
• Staff Management: hire, mentor, balance workload, support licensure, manage division budget and profitability.
• Compliance & Risk Management: ensure compliance with codes and manage project risk.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Client Relationships

Business Development

Team Mentoring

Education

BS in Civil Engineering

MS in Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

PE License

Multi-state PE

GE License

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Geotechnical Divisional Manager-Reno, NV

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1794

Salary Range: $150,000.00 To $175,000.00 Annually

Certerra provides technology-enabled testing, inspection, and certification services for new product development, engineering solutions to manage assets, and quality assurance for project delivery.

Working in partnership, we help you bring code compliant products to market faster, move into construction with confidence, keep your projects moving forwards and extend the life of your infrastructure assets.

With a nationwide office network and an expert team of over 1,000 people, we have the resources to deliver materially better outcomes, along with local knowledge that ensures the communities we serve are built to last.

Position Overview:

Job Summary: Geotechnical Division Manager leads a team of engineers and technical staff in delivering subsurface investigation, soil and rock analysis, foundation design, and slope stability assessments for civil, infrastructure, and development projects. The role oversees project execution, quality control, client relationships, and business development — combining deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to grow the division's market presence and revenue.

Duties:

Technical Leadership

• Oversee geotechnical investigations, soil/rock testing, and subsurface exploration programs
• Review and approve engineering reports, foundation designs, slope stability analyses, and geohazard assessments
• Ensure technical quality and accuracy across all division deliverables

Project Management

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scope, schedule, budget, and staffing
• Coordinate with clients, subconsultants, drillers, and lab testing firms
• Monitor project profitability and utilization rates

Business Development & Marketing

• Identify and pursue new project opportunities and client relationships
• Prepare and lead proposals, presentations, and fee negotiations
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing clients

Staff Management

• Hire, mentor, and evaluate geotechnical engineers, technicians, and support staff
• Assign and balance workload across the team
• Support professional development and licensure of junior engineers
• Manage division budget, revenue targets, and profitability goals
• Track invoicing, accounts receivable, and project cost control
• Report division performance to senior leadership

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure work complies with applicable codes, standards, and regulations
• Manage professional liability and project risk

Education/Qualifications:

Minimum Degree Requirement

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering, with a concentration or emphasis in Geotechnical Engineering — required at most firms

Preferred / Advanced Degrees

• Master of Science (M.S.) in Geotechnical Engineering — strongly preferred and often expected at the division manager level
• Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering — advantageous for firms with heavy research, forensic, or specialty focus

Professional Licensure

• Professional Engineer (PE) license — typically required; must be licensed in the state(s) where the firm practices
• Multi-state PE licensure — preferred for firms operating across regions

Additional Certifications (Valued but not always required)

• Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license — required in California, valued elsewhere
• Board certification through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER — relevant for contaminated site work
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) — useful for construction-phase geotechnical services

Experience in Lieu of Advanced Degree

• Many firms will accept a B.S. plus 12–20+ years of progressive geotechnical experience in place of a graduate degree, particularly if the candidate holds a PE and has a strong project and business development track record

Typical Experience Range at This Level

• 15–25 years of geotechnical engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a senior or leadership role
  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated based on their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such people will be hired based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.